2017 Excellence in GSI Awards Winners

On May 11, SBN’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Partners honored exemplary public and private projects, and the teams of people behind them, that are bringing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of green stormwater infrastructure to life in Philadelphia and the region.

“Every public and private GSI project contributes to the improved health of our waterways and our communities. Our goal with these awards are to recognize exemplary projects and people – those that transform vacant lots, schoolyards, and campus common spaces; protect tributary headwaters; engage students and neighbors; and create unique public places. Regional investments in GSI paired with local contracting are spurring our local economy. We’re seeing business growth, job creation, and increased community health and wealth – all leading to a stronger tax base. GSI projects offer clear examples of the triple bottom line. “

Michael DiBerardinis, Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia, delivered a passionate keynote to more than 150 of the region’s industry leaders and partners. He spoke to Philadelphia’s national leadership in the area of green stormwater infrastructure and the resulting replicable model we are setting for others to follow; how the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia’s members are proving every day the extent to which we can simultaneously build a robust economy and take care of people and our planet; and how important it is, especially given the current national political climate, for Philadelphia and our region to continue to lead with our successes.

“We are lucky that we have such progressive leaders, including in our Philadelphia Water Department. We will grow Philadelphia and the region with equity, fairness, and opportunity. We are the antidote.”

- Michael DiBerardinis, Managing Director, City of Philadelphia

On behalf of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN), the GSI Partners recognized excellence in GSI in the following (5) categories:

1. Public Projects: Projects managed by a public agency and/or are on public property:

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is a community of local independent businesses that demonstrate the degree to which businesses can build profitable enterprises while serving community needs and protecting the environment. SBN’s mission is to build a just, green, and thriving economy in the Greater Philadelphia region. Since 2001, SBN has been the leading advocacy and membership organization for local independently -owned businesses committed to improving their environmental and social impacts as well as their profitability.

One of our programs that demonstrates our mission in action is our Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Partners, which was formed to support the triple bottom line success of Philadelphia’s nationally-recognized nature-based stormwater management plan, Green City, Clean Waters.